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Walker begs Trump for help on infrastructure repair after his years of neglect

Posted February 12, 2018

MADISON -- Today, Gov. Scott Walker will meet with President Donald Trump at the White House to plead for federal help to repair Wisconsin’s crumbling roads and bridges.

The threat of a tough election has Walker in a panic and groveling for Trump’s assistance after neglecting Wisconsin’s infrastructure crisis for years. Walker has every right to be scared, too. On his watch, Wisconsin’s roads have become the 2nd worst in the nation.

“Scott Walker and his Republican Party have controlled Wisconsin government for seven years, and in that time our roads have crumbled,” said Martha Laning, chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin. “Wisconsinites deserve better than Walker’s desperate, election-year stunts. We need long-term infrastructure solutions and it’s clear that Scott Walker has none to offer.”

The Obama Administration had offered Walker federal infrastructure funding in the past, but he turned it down to cater to national conservatives in advance of his run for president. These rejected funds include over $800 million for high-speed rail and over $20 million for broadband. Most significantly, Walker rejected bringing our tax dollars back home to Wisconsin to fund an expansion of BadgerCare, which cost the state over $1 billion. Those funds would have freed up tax revenue for rebuilding our crumbling roads and unstable bridges.

“The sad result of Walker’s infrastructure neglect is that Wisconsin car owners are forced to shell out hundreds of dollars a year in repairs,” added Laning. “Walker’s failed leadership has cost Wisconsinites dearly. This November, it’s time to elect someone who will rebuild Wisconsin rather than kick the can down the road to fund tax breaks for the wealthy. Wisconsin can’t afford another four years of Walker’s neglect.”